Bug of the Week ~ Polka-dot wasp moth

The Polka-dot wasp moth is sometimes called the Uncle Sam Moth because of its red, white, and blue colors!  With its iridescent gunmetal blue coloring punctuated by white dots and a bright red tip on its abdomen, this insect may look dangerous, but it’s harmless. These moths and their caterpillars like to feed on oleander plants.

This exceptional moth (Syntomeida epilais) breaks a number of Mother Nature’s rules. Adult moths fly at night, however this beautiful moth flies in the daylight hours and is native to south Florida and the Caribbean Islands. Moths and butterflies emit pheromones (attracting scents) to attract mates. The female polka-dot wasp moth emits ultra sonic clicking sounds to attract a mate, not the scented pheromones like most other moths and butterflies. When the male comes within a few feet he’ll start clicking as well.